Three people were killed and 10 others injured in a mass shooting at a nightclub in the Turks and Caicos Islands early Sunday morning, July 27, marking the first mass shooting in the British territory’s recent history.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:57 a.m. at the Island Hookah Lounge on Providenciales, according to local authorities. Police responded to reports of gunfire and found three victims pronounced dead at the scene, while 10 others were transported to a local hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious.
Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey reported that closed-circuit television footage showed that at least four gunmen armed with high-powered weapons were involved in the attack.
Premier Charles Washington Misick linked the shooting to gang-related violence during a press conference, specifically referencing activity within Haitian communities. Misick stated, “What is happening here is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.” He urged members of the Haitian community to cooperate with law enforcement and help identify how illegal firearms are entering the country. Premier Misick assured the public that the government fully supports law enforcement efforts and stressed the importance of unity and resolve in addressing the violence.
Acting Governor Anya Williams confirmed the incident has been declared a national security critical event. She reported that the United Kingdom and the National Crime Agency had been notified of the shooting. The hospital in Providenciales was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure to protect the shooting victims.
Of the 10 injured victims, nine suffered gunshot wounds, according to Williams. Seven individuals remain hospitalized with varying degrees of injury, with one person listed in serious condition. Two victims were airlifted overseas for advanced medical treatment.
Bailey described the incident as deeply disturbing and confirmed that officers would maintain a heightened presence across the islands in response to the attack. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force issued a statement condemning the shooting and urging public assistance with the investigation.
A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspects involved in the shooting.
The shooting comes during a period when the islands are implementing stricter measures against illegal immigration. An estimated 10,900 Haitians live in the Turks and Caicos Islands, representing approximately one-third of the territory’s total population. About 80 percent of the Haitian residents live on Providenciales, with 20 percent holding permanent residency status, according to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.
The venue where the shooting occurred, also known as the Hookah and Cigar Lounge, is described as a popular nightclub in the area. The location is situated close to Blue Mountain on Providenciales, the most populated island in the territory.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory located southeast of the Bahamas and north of Haiti. The territory has experienced increased attention from the U.S. State Department, which issued a Level 2 travel advisory in March, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime concerns.
The State Department advisory recommends that visitors avoid walking alone at night, refrain from answering doors unless guests are expected, and avoid physically resisting during robbery attempts. The advisory was issued ahead of the spring break travel season.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue searching for the four suspects believed to be responsible for the shooting. Police have not released the identities of the three victims killed in the attack.